Compare Ezekiel 34:2 with John 10:11. How should shepherds care for sheep? Setting the Scene The word pictures of shepherds and sheep run through Scripture. Ezekiel speaks of negligent leaders who use the flock, while Jesus declares Himself the model Shepherd who gives everything for the flock. Laying these passages side by side highlights what faithful care must look like. False Shepherds Exposed: Ezekiel 34:2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?’ ” Key failures: • Self-indulgence—leaders nourishing themselves first • Neglect—sheep left hungry, weak, scattered • Absence of sacrificial love—no willingness to risk for the flock The Good Shepherd Revealed: John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Key qualities: • Self-sacrifice—puts the flock’s life above His own • Protective—stands between sheep and danger (vv. 12-13) • Intimate knowledge—“I know My sheep” (v. 14) • Provision—leads to pasture, abundant life (v. 10) What True Shepherding Looks Like Drawing from both passages, plus supporting texts: Feed the flock • Preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) • Nourish with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2) Protect and guard • Watch for wolves—false teachers, cultural pressures (Acts 20:28-31) • Stand in the gap, willing to be wounded for the sheep (John 10:11) Seek and restore • Pursue the straying (Luke 15:4-7) • Bind up the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:4) Lead by example • Shepherd “willingly, as God would have you…being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Model holiness, humility, and servanthood (Philippians 2:3-5) Know the sheep • Cultivate personal relationship and trust (John 10:14-15) • Pray for them continually (Colossians 1:9-10) Love sacrificially • Lay down time, comfort, reputation—whatever is required (1 John 3:16) • Serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45) Practical Takeaways for Today • Shepherds must measure ministry by Christ’s self-giving pattern, not worldly success. • A congregation should expect nourishing teaching, vigilant protection, and personal care. • Every believer with leadership influence—parent, teacher, elder—mirrors either Ezekiel’s self-focused shepherds or the Lord’s self-sacrificing Shepherd. Choose the path that feeds, guards, seeks, and loves. |
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